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Ministry of Science & Technology
International Science Film Festival of India opens in IISF-2020
A huge variety of Science Films to be screened
Film is a good medium to communicate science: Dr. Harsh Vardhan
IISF-2020
International Science Film Festival of India  is a major attraction of India International Science Festival 2020. This year, the ISFFI has received 634 science film entries from 60 countries. This is a vital platform to attract enthusiasts and young film-makers towards science film making and contribute in science popularization.
Speaking at the inaugural session of ISFFI, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare said that these films have a huge variety as they are based on themes like science, technology, awareness related to COVID-19 and India’s efforts to be self-reliant. Science film is a good medium to communicate science.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan addressing the inaugural function of International Science Film Festival of India at IISF 2020
“Every year the film festival is growing in size and scale. This event has now become a vital platform for handholding the upcoming science film makers. There is a huge potential and we can share our experience to nurture them” said Shri Mike Pandey, Filmmaker and ISFFI jury chairman.
Shri Mike Pandey, Filmmaker and ISFFI jury chairman speaking in ISFFI at IISF 2020.
Dr. Uy Hoang, President, Public Health Film Society, United Kingdom said that science communication is poised to face the challenge of bringing people together and film makers have started addressing this issue and hopefully it is going to be achieved.
“We have a good experience of holding film festival as before this, we conducted the 10th edition of National Science Film Festival virtually and for this film festival, we are equally enthusiastic”, said Dr. Nakul Parashar, Director, Vigyan Prasar. Shri Nimish Kapoor, the Coordinator, ISFFI said that all efforts were being made to harness the potential of the medium of films to popularize science. “We will screen more than two hundred films online, during the IISF. The title of the award winning films will be announced on December 25, Shri Kapoor informed.
The International Science Film Festival of India seeks to promote science popularization among citizens and aims at attracting talented young science film-makers and science enthusiasts. This event offers an opportunity for students and film makers to get involved with the process of science communication through films.
Ministry of Steel
MOIL Limited records 2nd highest Production since inception in FY’23
Highest ever Capital Expenditure and Exploration
Record sales turnover of EMD achieved
MOIL Limited has recorded its second highest production since inception, registering 6% growth over the previous year record with the production of 13.02 lakh tonnes of Manganese  Ore in Financial Year 2022-23. Capital expenditure of Rs.245 crores has also been achieved in FY’23, which is 14% higher than Financial Year 2021-22.
Shri Ajit Kumar Saxena, CMD MOIL Limited, congratulated MOIL on the achievements and expressed confidence that MOIL is poised to achieve much higher levels of production in the coming years, with strategies and action plan for it firmly in place.
With utmost thrust on exploration, MOIL has carried out best ever exploratory core drilling of 41,762 metres in FY’23, which is 2.7 times of the average exploration achieved in the last 5 years. The same will not only form the basis of enhanced production from its existing mines but will also be the foundation of opening new Manganese mines in the country.
Sales turnover of Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide  reached a new high, which is more than 2 times than previous year. EMD is a 100% import substitution product, used mostly for pharmaceuticals and manufacturing of batteries.
About MOIL: MOIL Limited is a Schedule-A, Miniratna Category-I CPSE under the administrative control of Ministry of Steel, Government of India. MOIL is the largest producer of manganese ore in the country, contributing ~45% of the domestic production. It operates eleven mines in the state of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The company has ambitious vision of more than doubling its production to 3.00 million tonnes by 2030. MOIL is also exploring business opportunities in the State of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
Ministry of Tourism
Ministry has identified Coastal Circuit as one of thematic circuits identified for development under Swadesh Darshan scheme: Shri Prahlad Singh Patel
Development and promotion of tourism including beaches is primarily undertaken by the State Governments/UT Administrations. However, Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance for development of tourism infrastructure in the country under its various schemes.
The Ministry of Tourism has launched the Swadesh Darshan Scheme for Integrated Development of theme-based Tourist Circuits for development of tourism infrastructure in the country. The Coastal Circuit, which includes beaches, is one of the thematic circuits identified for development under this scheme.
The projects are identified in consultation with the State Governments/UT Administrations and sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable detailed project reports, adherence to scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released earlier.
This information was given by Minister of State for Tourism & Culture Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Steel
Government of India taking steps to facilitate increase in steel production and consumption
National Steel Policy, 2017 envisages a steel production capacity of 300 MT  by 2030 by enhancing domestic per capita consumption to 160 kg by 2030. Currently the crude steel capacity of the country is 161.30 MT in 2022-23 and the data on production of crude steel during the current year i.e., April-June 2023-24 and same period of last year is given below :-
The Government of India has taken various steps for facilitating increase in steel production and consumption in this regard: -
- Implementation of Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products  policy for promoting Made in India steel for Government procurement.
- Establishment of a Project Development Cell  which identifies projects to facilitate new investments, evaluating the pipeline of projects and taking necessary steps to fast-track their implementation.
- Notification of Production-Linked Incentive  Scheme for Specialty Steel with an outlay of ₹6,322 Crore to promote the manufacturing of specialty steel within the country.
- Participation in events like World Expo held recently in Dubai, interaction of Ministerial delegation with domestic steel users in Japan, Korea, Russia to highlight the expertise of the steel sector in India and showcase an array of investment opportunities as well as business potential in India’s Steel sector.
- Make in India initiative and the PM Gati-shakti National Master Plan with further engagement with potential users, including from Railways, Defence, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Housing, Civil Aviation, Road Transport and Highways, Agriculture and Rural Development sectors to enhance the steel usage, overall demand for steel and investment in steel sector in the country.
- Adjustments in Basic Custom Duty on steel products and raw materials along with calibration of trade remedial measures on certain steel products to enhance competitiveness of India’s steel sector.
- Coordination with Ministries and States, besides other countries for facilitating availability of raw material for steel making on more favourable terms.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Steel Sh. Faggan Singh Kulaste in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
AYUSH
NMPB collaborates with Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology for production of quality planting material of medicinal plants
National Medicinal Plant Board  has joined hands with Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, based in Himachal Pradesh’s Palampur area, to promote the production of quality planting material of medicinal plants.
Established under the Ministry of Ayush, NMPB works towards supporting policies and programmes for the growth of trade, export, conservation and cultivation of medicinal plants.
The two organisations have signed a Memoradum of Understanding to facilitate development of Quality Planting Material  of medicinal plants and herbs identified by NMPB and help in establishment of their nurseries for QPM development, promotion, conservation and cultivation of the appropriate medicinal plants in different agro-climatic zones, including the Rare Endangered Threatened  species and those growing in high-altitude regions.
The CSIR-IHBT will also undertake research on mass multiplication and agro-technology development while the NMPB, through its implementing agencies i.e. State Medicinal Plant Boards, State AYUSH societies, State Horticulture Departments and Regional-cum-Facilitation Centres across India, will support projects related to QPM Development.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Data of Trees Cut Along Roads and Highways
Development of National Highways  involves clearing Right of Way  acquired by the Ministry. It is always ensured that the bare minimum tree felling is carried out for widening of existing NHs.
A total 7,747 trees and 3,258 saplings have been cut down in Shivalik forest division for Delhi-Dehradun expressway project from Ganeshpur to Dehradun. None of these trees were within the boundary of Rajaji National Park.
About 1.76 lakh trees are to be planted as per Compensatory Afforestation scheme prepared by Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand Forest Departments. An amount of Rs. 844.13 Lakhs have been deposited by National Highways Authority of India  to Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand Forest Departments towards Compensatory Afforestation and Net Present Value. Apart from above, NHAI has trans-located 155 trees.
55.10 lakh plants have been planted in 94 projects, completed by March 2021.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
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Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Sagarmala initiative: Hi-tech Labs in Centre of Excellence in Maritime & Ship building , Visakhapatnam
The Centre of Excellence in Maritime & Shipbuilding , a well-funded startup in skill development for maritime and shipbuilding sector has announced thatits hi tech labs at Visakhapatnam are ready for starting orientation programmes for trainees. A seminar was held on 13th July 2018 in Vishakhapatnam to inform stakeholders about the facilities in the labs and to begin the process of training. This is shortly after CEMS announced the readiness of its Mumbai labs. CEMS is promoted by Indian Register of Shipping  in partnership with Siemens and Ministry of Shipping. Its Visakhapatnam campus is located in the Indian Maritime University  premises.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Kailash Agrawal, Joint Secretary, Sagarmala, Ministry of Shipping said that the Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding  is a key initiative of Sagarmala programme for improved skill development in ship building and ship repair. It will provide industry-relevant employable skills to students in the port and maritime sector. This initiative will further boost Make in India and Skill India efforts in the maritime sector.
The seminar was attended by a wide spectrum of industry professionals including CMD, Hindustan Shipyard Limited, CMD, Goa Shipyard Limited, officials from Ministry of Shipping, Govt. of India, officials from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, high ranking naval officers, academia and students from nearby colleges, polytechnics and engineering colleges. A short tour of the facilities was also arranged at the campus for the participants.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh interacts with Indian diaspora in Nigeria during his visit to Abuja
Emphasises on Government’s focus on ‘Make in India, Make for the World’; Lauds the Armed Forces for protecting the nation from adversaries
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh interacted with the Indian diaspora in Nigeria, at an event organised by the Indian High Commission in Abuja on May 29, 2023. The event was attended by the Indian community not just from Abuja, but also from other cities of Nigeria such as Lagos.
The Raksha Mantri spoke about the increasing importance of India on the world stage owing to its fast-expanding economy and progressive government actions. The members of the community erupted in joy when the Raksha Mantri highlighted the growing stature of the Indian diaspora abroad. He appreciated the positive contribution made by the Indian community in Nigeria and expressed confidence that they will continue to keep the Indian flag flying high.
Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised on the Government’s focus on ‘Aatmanirbharta’ and the significant progress made in defence exports in recent years towards achieving the objective of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’. He also lauded the capabilities of the Armed Forces in effectively countering any threat or challenge from adversaries.
Later, the Raksha Mantri interacted with the senior Nigerian dignitaries, including the Chief Justice and Acting Minister of Defence, at the dinner hosted by the Indian High Commissioner.
Shri Rajnath Singh was in Abuja to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the President of Nigeria Mr Bola Tinubu. Nigeria is home to more than 50,000 Indians. Indian owned/operated companies and businesses are among the largest employers in Nigeria.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
India to use AI for good governance – Suresh Prabhu
(Suresh Prabhu speaking at the first open meet on AI in New Delhi
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhusaid that Government will use Artificial Intelligence  for good governance and proper regulations and corrective action will be taken to protect citizen’s privacy and ownership of data. India is transporting more data than US and China put together and the top six companies in the world are using this data with value addition and monetization. Suresh Prabhu added that India is strengthening its legal system and regulatory framework to deal with this world of digital data.
The Minister said that AIis the technology of today and one who masters this will rule the world. Every country is developing an AI strategy and India too is working on developing a strategy for the use of AI for the common good.
Commerce Minister was speaking at the International Colloquium on Ethics and Governance of Autonomous AI System for a Better World held in New Delhi today. The two-day Colloquium has been organized by Department of Science and Technology, CMS, ITUAPT and InfocomThink Tank.
The opening session was addressed by Prof. K Vijay Raghvan, Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India and Dr. R. S. Sharma, Chairman, TRAI. Prof. Vijay Raghvan in his remarks said that Government of India has taken the initiative to formulate a national strategy for use of AI and make the process transparent and participative in order to create awareness in civil society about AI.
This is the first time in human history that machines are taking decisions based on data and experience and we have to learn to deal with this kind of decision making. Government will have to put in place mechanisms on how data is used and algorithms are written. As all the data being generated in world today is being controlled by few companies, it is creating asymmetries as very few create, understand and use this data.This has given rise to a very powerful elite who are controlling millions of lives. Government will have to take massive efforts in the fundamental education of every Indian from school level so that access to mathematics and technology is available to each and every student. In the present world those who can’t access technology will be on the other side as AI is creating an ethical divide. Therefore, education at the foundation level has to be upgraded urgently.
Dr. R. S. Sharma, Chairman TRAI, in his address said that a data rich country like India must develop a national policy spelling out ownership of data, privacy of data generated by citizens and issues of data portability so that the sovereignty of country is not compromised.
The two-day event, being held on February 18 – 19, 2019, will see many international experts brainstorm about ethics of AI and machine learning, legalities, application of AI, relevance of block chain technology and effect of automation on the labour force. Professors from five IITs, CDAC and other renowned institutions are participating in this two-day Colloquium.
Ministry of Defence
Shri Rajnath Singh Assumes Office of the Defence Minister
Shri Rajnath Singh took over the responsibility as the Defence Minister, today. On his arrival at the Ministry of Defence in South Block, Shri Rajnath Singh was received by the Minister of State for Defence Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, three Services’ Chiefs, Defence Secretary Shri Sanjay Mitra, Chairman DRDO Dr G. Satheesh Reddy, Secretary  Dr. Ajay Kumar and Mrs S Kutty, Secretary ESW. Shri Rajnath Singh was Minister of Home Affairs since May 27, 2014.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh was given a brief presentation on the functioning of the MoD and all the four Departments of the MoD namely Department of Defence, Department of Defence Production, Department of Ex-serviceman Welfare and Department of Research and Development Organization.
Raksha Mantri Shri Singh instructed the officers to prepare detailed presentations on all Divisions and set time bound targets to achieve the desired outcome.
A Profile:
Shri Rajnath Singh was born on 10 July 1951 in district Chandauli in Uttar Pradesh. He did his masters in Physics from University of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. He was teacher by profession.
He served as Member of Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1977 – 1980 and 2001 – 2003. He was Minister of Education in Govt of Uttar Pradesh in 1991 -1992. He served as Minister of Surface Transport in the Union Cabinet from 1999 to 2000. Later he was elected as Chief Minister in the Government of Uttar Pradesh in 2000 – 2002. In 2003, he served as Minister of Agriculture in the Union Cabinet. He was elected to Rajya Sabha 1994 -1999 and again for 2003-2008. In 2009 he was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha. He also served as Member in the Committee on Ethics on 07 October 2009. Shri Rajnath Singh was inducted in the Union of India’s Cabinet in a Government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 27 May 2014 as the Minister of Home Affairs.
He is married to Smt Savitri Singh and they have two sons.
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Ministry of Finance
Recording of Unique Identity Number of Foreign Diplomatic Missions / UN Organizations on invoices while making supplies
Complaints have been received from the Foreign Diplomatic Missions / UN Organizations regarding unwillingness of vendors / suppliers / E-commerce websites to record the UIN  while making sales to such Embassies / Missions / Consulates or UN organizations.
Unique Identification Number  is a 15-digit unique number allotted to any specialised agency of the United Nations Organisation or any Multilateral Financial Institution and Organisation notified under the United Nations  Act, 1947, Consulate or Embassy of foreign countries. First two digits of the UIN denotes State code where such entity is located.
It may be noted that supply to Foreign Diplomatic Missions / UN Organizations is like any other Business to Consumer  supply and will not have any additional impact on the supplier’s tax liability. Recording of UIN while making such supplies by the suppliers will enable Foreign Diplomatic Missions / UN Organizations to claim refund of the taxes paid by them in India. Therefore, it is advised that suppliers should record the UIN of the Embassies / Missions / Consulates or UN organizations on the tax invoice.
It has been noticed many big brands for groceries, clothing, super stores etc. have been denying this facility to Embassies and Consulates. Such organizations / stores are advised to amend their processes / software and enable recording of UIN when insisted upon by a diplomat or an official of a Foreign Diplomatic Missions / UN Organizations.
Attention is invited to Circular No. 43/17/2018-GST dated 13th April 2018 which provides that recording of UIN on the invoice is a necessary condition under rule 46 of the CGST Rules, 2017. If suppliers / vendors are not recording the UINs, action may be initiated against them under the provisions of the CGST Act, 2017.
Search functionality for UIN is available on the GST Common Portal in “Search Taxpayer” option. On entering UIN and captcha, details of the entity will be available.
Department of Atomic Energy
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh says, share of nuclear energy in the total electricity generation in the country has remained around 3 to 3.5% since 2014
Commercial generation of electricity has increased from 34162 Million Units in calendar year 2014 to 43918 Million Units in calendar year 2021
Union Minister of State  Science & Technology; Minister of State  Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today said, the share of nuclear energy in the total electricity generation in the country has remained around 3 to 3.5% since 2014.
In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Dr Jitendra Singh, however informed that the actual commercial generation has increased from 34162 Million Units in calendar year 2014 to 43918 Million Units in calendar year 2021.
The Minister said, the share of nuclear power in total electricity generation depends on the generation by nuclear power units and that by all electricity generating technologies. The share of nuclear power in the total electricity generation is planned to be increased by adding more nuclear power capacity in the country.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, India is pursuing an indigenous three-stage nuclear power programme to provide the country long term energy security in a sustainable manner. In addition, Light Water Reactors based on foreign cooperation are also being set up as additionalities. An expansion programme for nuclear power is being undertaken to provide the country clean electricity.
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Special Service and Features
1387 Grams of Gold worth 69.61 Lakhs seized by Chennai Air Customs
Based on the Intelligence, Chennai Air Customs Officers, have intercepted one female passenger, who arrived from Colombo by Air India Airlines flight Al274 on 22.02.2023. On examination of her person 3 bundles of containing gold in paste form wrapped with adhesive tape concealed in her body were recovered resulting in recovery of totally weighing 572 grams valued at~ 28.70 Lakhs was recovered.
In another incident, Chennai Air Customs Officers, have intercepted one female passenger, who arrived from Colombo by Air India Airlines flight Al274 on 22.02.2023. On examination of her person 4 plastic pouch of containing gold in paste concealed in her undergarments were recovered resulting in recovery of totally weighing 815 grams valued at 40.90 Lakhs was recovered.
In total 1387 gms of gold of 24k purity valued at Rs 69.61 lakhs seized under the Customs Act, J 962, for conducting further investigation.